The Liberia Council of Churches has said given the Country’s hurtful experiences in the past it is high time to consider them as significant portion of the nation’s history and the mindset to repent, ask for forgiveness and change the social and political mindset and find a solution of healing and reconciliation which has kept the country not making progress when other nations are far ahead of Liberia.
The submission is part of the goodwill message from the body of Christ to the people of Liberia in observance of this year’s edition of the Easter as was issued and signed by Bishop Kortu Brown, President of the religious body over the weekend.
“The Liberia Council of Churches is in prayer with the larger Christian community and other faith groups for the good of Liberia and the welfare of its people. There are so many challenges that befall us as a Nation, as we strive to make a step forward, the evil mindset draws us two steps backwards. What we need now is genuine repentance and reconciliation as a people. Our historical narratives have alluded that some of the causes for the civil war that killed over 200 thousands persons, assassination of past presidents, murdering of innocent persons in cold blood were based on marginalization, oppression, ethnicity, tribalism, hatred, poor democratic governance, etc”, the release said.
LCC noted that the repetition of such behaviors keeps haunting the Nation and for them as an institution during the Easter time, said they will remain committed to the good tenants of democracy and call on the government to adhere to the noble democratic principles that will promote peace, tranquility and stability.
The LCC which addressed some crucial national issues stated that there are some inclusive reports of mysterious disappearances and ritualistic killings while families contend for the proper redress of grievances, citing a case of the murder of a Liberia Immigration officer, Maude Elliot in her house in the Jah Tondo Town Community in Brewerville City, Montserrado County.
“Justice has been questioned, people are having a crisis of confidence with the Police, and these are not good for our society. Prices of goods are high, and the causes noted from assessment carried out is due to high tariffs on consumer commodities of which rice and fuel are paramount”, the release said.
Touching on the economy, LCC said they are not unawares of the fact that efforts have been made by the government to fix the broken economy; however, it is imperative that agents of government many of which most are Christians and by extension members of the religious community should step to the plate of true Christian representation and promote the good tenants of democracy, transparency, accountability, genuine love for country, peace, good neighborliness, etc.
“Easter should remind us that we are answerable to our people not only when we need them, but even when they need us. Easter should remind us that we should show respect to our leaders. Easter should remind us that our actions or decisions on critical national issues like electoral participation should be based on the virtues that Jesus Christ teaches us and not be bent on our selfish motives. Easter should remind us that love and respect for each other should be key in our nation building”, LCC stated.
The Council of Churches said it takes cognizance of the renewed pledge of the government of Liberia that the price of the rice commodity will not go up under this administration and that the government will subsidize the process, adding that the Council believes this is commendable and call for action for same to be carried out as stated by the President.
“The LCC is carrying out a confidence visit and has visited the National Port Authority and other Importers and is seeking continuation with the Executive Branch beginning with the Ministry of Commerce which [engagement] has been difficult to realize before Easter. The visit has been to complement the national efforts and give additional assurances of the Church engagement and gathering of facts from the mainline actors to help provide awareness on the state of affairs and contribute to sustaining peace, security and stability, amongst others”, the release further stated.
The Council of Churches also said it was concerned about the prevailing political trend with political parties on the issue of electoral candidates’ legitimacy and the role the National Elections Commission shall play to promote peace and stability. It added that the statements from the various actors are not Easter friendly and therefore, the Church called on all parties of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) to eschew divisive politics and to remain calm and work towards unity which builds every nation and democracy.
“The Church also calls on the NEC to be very meticulous in the adjudication of disputes and ensure that Liberia as the common denominator be protected and not personal interest”, the release said.
The release from the LCC further said it was also deeply concerned about the unexplained death of young Princess Cooper a few weeks ago in Paynesville. It said these kinds of mysterious deaths if not properly handled leave a lot of doubts in the minds of ordinary Liberians and make it difficult for them to trust the whole system of justice.
“We acknowledged the autopsy done and we look forward to working with the Ministry of Justice and the family on finding a way forward out of this quagmire which was brought about by the refusal of the family to observe the autopsy which was observed by a representative of the council of churches” the release said.
“Peace and Wounds seem to go together, But Easter Peace is what we need. Our resistance to God’s words lacerates our own soul as much as Jesus’ body. Easter-time peace is what heals all our broken relationships and unites us as a people more than anything else. Easter is the time we reflect on the Judas that is in our various administration, institutions and communities, but Easter also teaches us that there is a resurrection morning that brings a new relationship, spirit of forgiveness, a spirit of oneness as a people with one goal and to stop being sycophantic and praise when is necessary and criticize when it is necessary”, the press release Concluded.